Dundee United have abandoned efforts to bring in Pat Fenlon as their new manager after accusing Bohemians of "excessive" compensation demands. United said in a statement: "Dundee United has decided not to pursue any further interest in Pat Fenlon as team manager due to the excessive compensation demand made by his club and an unwillingness to reduce this.
"We now consider the matter at an end and will pursue other options."
United are believed to have thought they could secure Fenlon for free because he was owed bonuses by the Dublin club.
But Bohemians were not to prepare to budge significantly on a compensation demand in the region of £250,000.
United reportedly offered a five-figure sum for his services but that was rejected.
Reports suggest United could now turn to former Manchester United, Rangers and Scotland assistant Archie Knox, who is currently part of Motherwell caretaker boss Craig Brown's coaching team.
"It's well known that I am in at Motherwell on a temporary basis and I could be gone here tomorrow," Knox told BBC Scotland.
"So I would have to listen to anyone who had something to say to me."
Bohemians issued their own statement, which read: "Bohemian FC confirms the breakdown of negotiations with Dundee United on terms to allow team manager Pat Fenlon join Dundee United as manager.
"Bohemian FC gave Dundee United permission on Tuesday 5 January to talk to Pat Fenlon about joining them.
"Bohemians had wished to retain the services of Pat Fenlon, but it did not want to prevent him taking up a deserved opportunity to manage a football team operating on a bigger stage.
"Bohemian FC indicated clearly to Dundee United that compensation would need to be paid.
"Discussions over the last 24 hours on compensation to be paid to Bohemian FC by Dundee United failed to produce a mutually satisfactory package."
General secretary Gerry Conway would not comment further but said on Thursday: "Bohemians Football Club is entitled to compensation, that's the bottom line.
"Anybody who says otherwise or leaks things to the media suggesting that is being mischievous."
